Dynamic Block Size Selection for Image Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses for terrestrial digital broadcasting struggle to optimize image quality by inadequately setting block sizes for orthogonal transformation, which affects encoding efficiency and noise reduction based on genre information and other factors.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that receive genre information and use a selection unit to determine a block size for orthogonal transformation, allowing for dynamic adjustment of block sizes based on genre-specific parameters and other information like broadcast station and event details to prioritize noise reduction or encoding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed block size is used for orthogonal transformation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality and encoding efficiency deteriorate because the block size cannot be optimized for different genre characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the block size adjustable rather than fixed. The block size determination unit dynamically selects appropriate block sizes (e.g., 4×4, 8×8, 16×16) based on genre information and image characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to different content types and optimize image quality for each genre.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of block size based on genre information. Different genre categories (news, sports, entertainment, etc.) are associated with different optimal block sizes, and the system modifies the block size parameter accordingly to achieve better encoding efficiency and image quality for each genre.
2Productivity
If genre information is used to determine block size, then the encoding efficiency and image quality improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the correspondence between genre information and block sizes. The block size determination unit uses pre-defined rules and tables that map genre categories to optimal block sizes, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing processing complexity while maintaining high encoding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces genre information as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between content characteristics and encoding parameters. Instead of directly analyzing complex image features to determine block size, the system uses genre information as a mediator to simplify the decision-making process while still achieving genre-optimized encoding.
3Productivity
If larger block sizes are used for orthogonal transformation, then the encoding efficiency improves due to fewer transformations, but the noise reduction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different block sizes for different regions or types of content based on genre characteristics. Instead of using a uniform block size for all content, the system selectively applies appropriate block sizes (4×4 for noise-prone content, 8×8 or 16×16 for efficiency-critical content) according to the genre, achieving both noise reduction and encoding efficiency in different contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive image data of program content and genre information relating to the program content, a selection unit configured to select a size selection parameter for causing the genre information received by the receiving unit to be reflected in a block size, a determination unit configured to determine a block size in accordance with the size selection parameter selected by the selection unit, the block size being used for orthogonal transformation, and an orthogonal transformation unit configured to perform orthogonal transformation on the image data received by the receiving unit at the block size determined by the determination unit.